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The Struggle of Anxiety and Depression in Pulpits Today

Anthony Martin

School of Behavioral Science, Liberty University

CCOU 210-D05, Introduction to Christian Counseling

Professor Rhoda Harris

August 1, 2021
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The Struggle of Anxiety and Depression in Pulpits Today

The stress level of pastors today is far greater than even five years ago. Along with the

normal stresses like; continued scrutiny, being on call 24 hours a day, and trying to point people

in the right direction, there are some added nuances. The biggest pandemic since the early 1900s

plagues the lives of the world every day. This makes the role of a pastor even more difficult than

in other modern times. People are sick and dying at an increased rate due to Covid. At the same

time, pastors are trying to keep the members together and on one accord. This is no easy job.

Because of so much stress and a lack of self-care by pastors, many find themselves in a state of

depression. Many will ask, how dare you be broken with so many hurting people around you?

This is what most pastor’s struggling with depression feel. This research paper will focus on

some of the causes of depression and anxiety that pastors struggle with in private and the need

for ongoing Christian counseling in the lives of pastors.

First, let's begin with some general statistics on Pastor’s ministry stress: 75% report

being “extremely stressed “or ”highly stressed”, 90% work between 55 to 75 hours per week,

90% feel fatigued and worn out every week. These are just a few of the statistics. The reason for

revealing these statics is to give some observation into the everyday life of pastors to see what

may cause some depression and anxiety. Pastor are human beings too, just like everyone else,

and are more susceptible to mental breakdown caused by stress that then leads to depression and

anxiety ( Due, N., Due, K. [2018]. According to a Duke University study, a greater risk for

depression is linked to the high demand put on the clergy by others and themselves (Clergy More

Likely to Suffer From Depression, Anxiety, n.d.).

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The issue of depression and anxiety can not go untreated and if at all possible some

preventive measures should be implemented. As a result of the intoxication of success

( making things succeed at all cost) and the dilemma of insignificance ( is any of this

working and benefiting people) life for a pastor can seem isolated and lonely. As a result of

present-day circumstances, the rate of depression is higher than ever, including clergy. At

this rate the need for preventive programs for clergy and their mental health is paramount

(Proeschold-Bell et al., 2013). The subject of mental health in pastors has for so long been a

taboo subject, The reasoning behind this resistance is the disdain for the field of

psychology and fear that these methods would infect the premise of Christianity (Salwen et

al, 2017 )

Even though research focusing on pastoral mental health has at best been extremely

sparse( Salwen et al, 2017 ), It has been established that the need for counseling and

sometimes treatment is needed for pastors. The issue is, what form does that take? During

the research, it has been made clear that there is very little research has been done in the

pastors’ dynamics that reflect their attitude toward seeking help for their mental health,

they’re more likely to continue to suffer in silence rather than get the help needed through

counseling and treatment. Because of traditions and potential embarrassment. In all the

research that was done for this paper, this is the mountain that separates the known

problem and the help needed to overcome it. If pastors are shamed into not seeking help,
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the rate of pastors just walking away from service because of depression and anxiety, or

even worst, continues to increase rapidly. When faced with internal and external dynamics

that challenge the mental health of pastors, many increases in their spiritual disciplines

( prayer, fasting, and reading the word) which is not a bad thing however they negate to

open up to a counselor when it is needed. ( Salwen et al, 2017)

One's willingness to find the help needed for mental health issues is a very complicated

subject. Depaulo and Willis (1991) concluded that few people seek help from outside sources

such as friends and family, even fewer seek help from a licensed professional ( Royal, K. D., &

Thompson, J. M. 2012). Counseling is a very important aspect of life, having someone to talk to

that helps you see things a bit clearer. This is not only important for the world but also in the

Christian community. Christianity for far too long has made the subject of mental health an

embarrassing subject. One thing that would help is to bring this subject to light would be much

more research. Organizations like the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS)

could play a better role in the community with testing and resource material to have a better

understanding of the importance of better mental health ( Salwen et al, 2017). Our higher

institutions of learning should make it a mandatory academic requirement before the completion

of a degree. These are just a few ways to help bring light to the subject however, each pastor

must take the steps toward counseling to be a better help to those in their congregations and the

community they serve.

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References

Proeschold-Bell, R. J., Miles, A., Toth, M., Adams, C., Smith, B. W., & Toole, D. (2013).
Using Effort-Reward Imbalance Theory to Understand High Rates of
Depression and Anxiety Among Clergy. The Journal of Primary
Prevention, 34(6), 439–453. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-013-0321-4

Clergy More Likely to Suffer From Depression, Anxiety. (n.d.). Today.duke.edu.

https://today.duke.edu/2013/08/clergydepressionnewsrelease

Royal, K. D., & Thompson, J. M . (2012). Measuring Protestant Christians' Willingness to Seek

Professional Psychological Help for Mental Illness: A Rasch Measurement Analysis. Journal of

Psychology and Christianity, 31(3), 195-204. http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A

%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Fmeasuring-protestant-christians-
willingness-seek%2Fdocview%2F1268720305%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D12085

Salwen, E. D., Underwood, L. A., Dy-Liacco, G. S., & Arveson, K. R. (2017). Self-disclosure

and spiritual well-being in pastors seeking professional psychological help.Pastoral

Psychology, 66(4), 505-521. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-017-0757-1